Prince William is taking a break from wedding preparations to tour areas of New Zealand devastated by February's Christchurch earthquake and to visit families who lost loved ones at the Pike River Mine in Greymouth.

Prince William walked through central Christchurch, which still remains inaccessible to the public to see firsthand the impact of the 6.3-magnitude earthquake which hit on Feb. 22 and killed at least 155 people.

The scale of it is unbelievable, he said.

He took the time to speak with members and family of the Urban Search and Rescue team in Christchurch as well as personnel at the Emergency Operations Centre and city fire fighters. Prince William will be in New Zealand until March 19.

He will then travel to Australia for three days to visit regions affected by floods.

It's a busy time for Prince William as he is preparing for his April 29 wedding to Kate Middleton in Westminster Abbey.

Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William posed for a photograph with members of the Urban Search and Rescue team in Christchurch. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William and Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn arrived at Shanty Town to meet with families of the 29 men killed in the Pike River Coal mine disaster in Greymouth. Reuters
Prince WIlliam in New Zealand
Prince William inspects earthquake damage at Christchurch Cathedral. The devastation caused by February's earthquake took Prince William by surprise. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William spoke with members and family of the Urban Search and Rescue team in Christchurch. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William is shown a monument made by members of the Australian Search and Rescue team in Christchurch. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William spoke with members of the Urban Search and Rescue team in Christchurch. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William gestured while speaking with members of the Urban Search and Rescue team in Christchurch. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William met with members of the Urban Search and Rescue team in Christchurch. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William spoke with members of the City Fire Department in Christchurch. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William spoke to personnel at the Emergency Operations Centre in Christchurch. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William was presented with a fire fighter's helmet to autograph at the city fire station in Christchurch. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William autographed a fire fighter's helmet in Christchurch. Reuters
Prince William in New Zealand
Prince William spoke with Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker after he visited the Emergency Management Centre at the Art Gallery in Christchurch. Reuters
Earthquake Australia